Moving can already be a stressful experience—adding kids who weren’t part of the decision-making process can introduce another layer of stress and anxiety. Whether this is your first family move or your fourth, it’s essential to view the transition through your child’s eyes, engage them in the process as much as possible, and take the necessary steps to reduce friction during the transition. Partnering with one of the great long distance moving companies can also help streamline the process, ensuring a smoother experience for the whole family. In this guide, we’ve outlined 11 tried-and-true ways to help your kids (teens, toddlers, and all ages in between) adjust to moving.
1. Explain Why You’re Moving
Whether you’re relocating for a new job or choosing to settle into a larger home, explaining the reasons behind the move is crucial for your children’s understanding. Even if circumstances aren’t ideal—perhaps you were evicted and must move out of necessity—taking the time to sit down and discuss the situation can help uncover any anxieties, worries, or frustrations they might have.
For babies and toddlers, use simple sentences and observe their nonverbal cues to gauge their emotions. If your child is a teenager, don’t overlook the importance of a conversation with them as well—they’ll need just as much time to process the news. Holding a family discussion can help address any questions or concerns about why you’re moving and what it means for them.
2. Take Your Kids Along for the Relocation Process
Giving both older and younger children a role in the moving process can empower them when they feel most helpless and help them see themselves as key players in a team effort. As you put together your moving to-do list, consider creating or identifying tasks your kids can contribute to or even handle independently. Even small responsibilities can feel significant from their perspective.
Tasks for your children might include:
- Younger kids: Packing a box of their own belongings, cleaning up small messes (turn it into a game if needed!), or helping with light tasks like taping boxes.
- Older kids: Running errands like picking up boxes or making donation drop-offs, managing parts of the to-do list, or helping care for a younger sibling.
3. Encourage Kids to Stay Engaged in Creative Ways
At times, involving your kids in the moving process may not be practical or safe. On days like these, you’ll need ways to keep them occupied. Allowing them extra screen time can be an easy way to hold their attention. You might also set up a designated “kid-friendly” space by clearing out a room and filling it with games, toys, and activities. Another great option is letting them spend time outside in the driveway, playing with easy-to-clean chalk and bubbles.
4. Plan a Visit to the New Neighborhood with Your Kids
If possible, take a walk or drive through your new neighborhood with your kids. Doing so can help them visualize where they’re going and make the new place feel familiar rather than unknown. Ask them how they feel about the area and point out spots that might interest them—playgrounds and ice cream shops for younger kids, or parks and pizza places where older kids can hang out after school.
5. Host a Moving Away Party
Whether you’re moving just around the block or to another state, a moving away party is a thoughtful way to celebrate the transition and honor the friendships your child has built. You can host the gathering at a local venue, but having it at home can serve as a sentimental way to say goodbye to your space.
Incorporate decorations that reflect your new destination—palm tree garlands if you’re headed to California, or paper snowflakes and Statue of Liberty stickers if you’re moving to New York. Look for ways to create keepsakes, whether by snapping Polaroid photos, setting up a guestbook for attendees to sign, or even letting your child choose small farewell gifts for friends, giving them something special to remember you by.
6. Keep Changes to a Minimum in Your Daily Routine
With the chaos of moving, maintaining your usual family routines might not seem like a top priority. However, creating a sense of security and predictability in the weeks leading up to the move can help ease the transition.
Stick to your kids’ regular dinner, nap, homework, and bedtime schedules. Allow them to continue attending after-school activities, sports, or music lessons right up until the final week before the move. Once you’re in your new home, try to reintroduce familiar routines as soon as possible to create a sense of normalcy.
7. Turn the Move into an Adventure
It may sound cliché, but even if you’re feeling overwhelmed, try to foster an enthusiastic, positive outlook on the move. During dinner, cleaning, or other family moments, highlight all the exciting aspects of your new home—better weather, nearby parks, or a beach within reach.
Remind your kids that they’re not the only ones leaving behind friends and familiarity. Let them know that even though you share those emotions, you’re also looking forward to the new experiences, friendships, and adventures that await.
8. Help Your Kids Stay Connected to Their Friends
In today’s digital world, moving to a new city or state doesn’t mean saying goodbye forever. Help your child stay in touch with their friends by setting up an email address and planning a Zoom or virtual call after the move, where they can give a tour of the new house. Keep a list of friends’ addresses—either on paper or digitally—so your child can send letters, postcards, or small gifts for birthdays and holidays.
9. Pack a Bag for the Moving Journey
Prepare an easy-to-access moving day bag filled with comforting essentials for the plane ride or drive to your new home. (You might even include a surprise toy or treat for them to open once you arrive!) Consider packing:
- Special toys or keepsakes
- A change of clothes or light layers
- Entertainment options like DVDs or books
- Snacks
- Daily-use toiletries such as toothbrushes, hair accessories, or diapers
10. Hire a Babysitter or Nanny on Moving Day
Moving day is stressful, especially when coordinating with movers and handling unexpected delays. It’s a chaotic environment that can make even adults anxious—so imagine how your child might feel seeing strangers remove your belongings. To keep things on schedule and ensure your child (and pet, if you have one) is safe from the commotion, consider hiring a babysitter or nanny.
Plan ahead by creating a list of your child’s favorite snacks, games, movies, and books to keep them engaged in fun activities throughout the day.
11. Say Goodbye to Your Old House
On your last day, take some time with your kids to say a proper goodbye to your home. You can go room by room, sharing your favorite memories in each space—what you’ll miss the most, and even what you won’t miss at all. If your house is sold, consider writing a letter to the next family, highlighting your experiences and special moments in the home.
This moment of reflection allows you and your kids to appreciate all the good times shared in your old home while creating a sense of closure before stepping into your next adventure.
